When students are choosing an Ivy League school, most focus on the reputation, rankings, and academic rigor of the schools when they should also be considering Return on Investment (ROI), the value of the degree in terms of earnings after graduation. Ivy League schools have prestige, but some have significantly higher ROI than others when considering the costs and future potential earnings. ROI will be a way for students and parents to identify whether the investment in the degree will lead to a better chance of a higher paying job in the future and for a future professional career.
The article ranks the Top 5 Ivy League schools by ROI for the class of 2025 based on certain metrics like tuition, financial aid, salary after graduation, and outcomes based on the latest data by U.S. Department of Education. If you're looking for an Ivy League school that gives both elite education and value in the real world, this list can serve a guide for you.
Check Out: What is Ivy League? Complete List of Ivy League Universities
Top 5 Ivy League Schools Ranked by ROI
This article ranks the top 5 Ivy League Schools ranked based on ROI along with the state to which they belong:
| Rank | School | State | Net ROI (USD) |
| 1 | Princeton University | New Jersey | $1,049,000 |
| 2 | Harvard University | Massachusetts | $1,032,000 |
| 3 | University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | $969,000 |
| 4 | Columbia University | New York | $911,000 |
| 5 | Yale University | Connecticut | $903,000 |
1. Princeton University (New Jersey)
Princeton University ranked first on the ROI list because it has a substantial needs-based financial aid policy and graduates earn a consistent high income. Many students graduate with minimal or no debt, and early career salaries are impressive in fields such as finance, technology, and academia.
The relatively low net costs combined with a graduation rate of 98% make it a wise long term investment. 20 year net ROI exceeds $1 million, providing rare value in the Ivy League.
2. Harvard University (Massachusetts)
Harvard is one of the globally recognized elite institutions with favorable financial aid and excellent post-graduate salary outcomes. Graduates see high returns working in law, medicine, consulting, and technology fields. In spite of the ever-so-slightly higher cost of attendance,Harvard University's extensive alumni network and strong ties to employability increase the cold net ROI to over $1 million in 20 years.
Harvard has almost a 100% graduation rate and is near the top of the line elite career path title. It is also a brand and can have a bankable ROI for those interested.
3. University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania)
You can find strong ROI (especially in fields like business, management, and finance) at UPenn, especially at the Wharton School of business. Students in this degree pay a somewhat standard net price to attend, but the starting and mid-career salaries for students are the highest or among the highest in the Ivy League.
The urban setting in Philadelphia enables students of UPenn to gain ample internship and job placement experience as well. Affordability, prestige, and a good chance of employability make a degree from Penn have a strong ROI estimated at approximately $970,000 over a 20-year period.
4. Columbia University (New York)
Columbia University has named affordability as a concern because of the location in New York City. The costs of attendance at Columbia University are above average, even higher than certain major cities and some localities. However, once a student graduates, they experience salaries similar to the experience at the New York City location.
The earning potential is also enhanced with high salaries in specific industries, such as journalism, finance, and tech and Columbia has an ROI of around $911,000 in 20 years. For students seeking maximum academic value and maximum earning potential in a fast-paced, competitive market, Columbia is a strong candidate.
5. Yale University (Connecticut)
Yale produces a comprehensive ROI, having strong indicators of outcomes in law, politics, public service, and the humanities. Yale is not the highest income potential university based purely on income; its need-blind financial aid means that many students aren’t in as much financial burden through their education.
Yale graduates go on to successful leadership roles in several different sectors. Yale has over a $900,000 ROI over a 20-year period, and is a very sound investment for students wanting an intellectually stimulating experience while providing value and financial ROI in the future.
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation